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CITY OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2007-R-19 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS I. CALL TO ORDER With
a quorum present Mayor II. PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE Mayor
III. ROLL CALL In
attendance: Raul
G. Mike
Garza, Council
Member, District I Hector
Garcia, Council
Member, District II Johnny
Amaya, Council Member, District IV Johnny
Rendon, Council
Member, District V Gene
Belmares, Mayor
Pro Tem, District VI Juan
Chavez Council
Member, District VII Juan
Ramirez, Council
Member, District VIII Gustavo
Guevara, Jr., Horacio
De Leon, Assistant
City Manager Jesus
Olivares, Assistant
City Manager Raul
Casso, City
Attorney IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of Motion
to approve. Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 V. COMMUNICATIONS
AND RECOGNITIONS
Recognitions a. Recognition of the Laredo Philharmonic
Orchestra for winning the 2007 American Society of Composers, Authors, and
Publishers (ASCAP) Award for Innovative Program in Brendon Townsend, conductor, said that
the Orchestra is putting National
Stage in the League of American Orchestras.
b. Recognition of September 2007 Employee of the Month. Mayor and City Council publicly
recognized phenomenal job in demonstrating customer
service.
Communiqués a. A special announcement by John Beckelhymer,
President of the Laredo Bucks regarding upcoming hockey season. John Beckelhymer, Manager of the He added that they have taken ten of
their home games and made them event nights.
The intermission will be filled with top
quality entertainment from around the country or participants from the audience will walk
away with $5,000 every other game. On
top of that, he said that perfect attendance
fans will qualify for a trip to four for Cabos San Lucas in a
private jet. b. Presentation by Webb County Appraisal
District on the re-evaluation criteria. Webb County Appraisal
District Presentation on One Year versus Three
Year Appraisal Plan o
Webb County Appraisal
District Background o
Law Requirements: o
Appraisal Plan requirements as per Section 6.05 (i) of
Texas Property Tax Code
(TPTC) o
Appraisal Plan must meet the requirements of Section
25.18 of TPTC o
o
District’s Appraisal
Plan (Background) o
One Year Plan versus
Three Year Plan o
Conclusion Webb
County Appraisal District Background Appraisal Districts were created by the
66yh Legislative Session in 1979 Legislative Session in 1979 o
Political Subdivision
of the State o
Governed by six
directors representing the taxing entities the District serves o
Responsible to locate,
list and appraise property within the county o
Responsible to provide
a single appraisal for each property o
Valuation should
represent 100% of market value Additional responsibilities include, but
are not limited to: o
Recording property
configuration changes o
Ownership changes o
Administer state and
local exemptions o
Maintain ownership maps o
Provide appraisal roll
information to the taxing entities and the Property Tax Division of the
Comptroller’s office. Appraisal
Plan Requirements as per Section 6.05 (i) 79th Legislature established
Section 6.05 (i) of TPTC, which requires Appraisal District to develop biennially a written plan for
periodic reappraisal of all property within Webb County. Appraisal
Plan Requirements as per Section 6.05 (i) 1.
Written appraisal plan must meet the requirement of Section 25.18 of
TPTC 2.
Hold a public hearing on the appraisal plan 3.
Approve the plan by resolution 4.
Submit copies of the approved plan to each taxing entity, and the
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Appraisal
Plan Requirements as per Section 25.18 At least once every three years: 1.
Identify property to be appraised through physical inspections 2.
identify relevant characteristics of each appraisal record
(account) 3.
Define market area in the District 4.
Identify property characteristics that affect property value in each
market area Appraisal
Plan Requirements as per Section 25.18 At least once every three years: 5.
Develop appraisal models 6.
Apply the conclusion reflected on the model Appraisal
Plan Requirements as per Section 25.18 7.
Review appraisal results to determine value Section 5.10 Ratio Studies – The
Comptroller shall conduct an annual review to determine degree of uniformity and the
median level of appraisal within each
category of property Section 5.102 Review of Appraisal Standards – The
comptroller reviews to ensure compliance of appraisal standards, procedures, methodology and
generally accepted appraisal standards and practices. District’s
Appraisal Plan o
On September 112, 2006,
the District presented the 2007 and 2008 biennium reappraisal plan o
Public Hearing was held o
Action was taken by the
Board to approve by resolution the District’s plan o
Copies were provided to
the entities and State Comptrollers office Appraisal
Plan Reappraisal Decision All real property values shall be
established annually All real properties shall be reappraised
at least once every three years All personal property, mineral, utility,
and industrial shall be reappraised annually The
District’s appraisal plan conformed to all requirements set by law. Should the district implement a
one-year or a three- year appraisal plan? 3 Year versus 1 year Plan Value adjustments would reflect a three
year market increase. (The last three
year aggregate residential percentage
increase was 21%) State audits the District annually and
the audit results identify the District’s deficiencies for the year audited. Implementing a three year plan would result
in: The State ratio audits would not be
favorable for two out of three years The State Comptroller would take control
of WCAD operations for non compliance State will adjust value to reflect
market value
Non compliance with Section 23.01 (a) All properties must be appraised
and its market value as of January 1, of each
tax year. Property Values Affected: Mineral Property Personal Property Residential Property Commercial Property Industrial Property Utility Property 3
Year versus 1 Year Plan CAD’s currently practicing a one year
appraisal plan versus three year plan: El Paso CAD – One Year Appraisal Plan Upshur CAD: One Year Other
Factors 2003 – 140,513 2004 – 146,431 2005 – 152,889 2006 – 156,383 2007 – 163,065 WCAD
Parcel Analysis 2003 – 11,101 2004 – 5,918 2005 – 6,458 2006 – 3,494 2007 – 6,682 Taxable
Value Comparison 2000 – 5,737 2001 – 6,487 2002 – 7,301 2003 – 7,630 2004 – 8,718 2005 – 9,659 2006 – 11,947 2007 – 12,287 Overall
Tax Levy Comparison 2000 – 135.53 2001 – 152.78 2002 – 176.12 2003 – 192.64 2004 – 217.51 2005 – 249.26 2006 – 286.07 Ownership Transfer Analysis 2003 – 9,641 2004 – 10,434 2005 – 11,173 2006 – 10,593 2007 – 4,187 Conclusion In a non active market a three year
appraisal plan might be acceptable.
However, in active real estate market, this approach
might prove detrimental to the District’s operation. Based on the data provided, the district
must continue to appraise property on a yearly basis so it can maintain appraisal value
at market and comply with the requirements of the Property Tax Code. On Appraisal Plan. There is a 2007-2008 Reappraisal Plan on
file at the Mayor
Salinas left at Citizen comments Citizens
are required to fill out a witness card and identify themselves at the microphone. Comments
should be relevant to City business and delivered in a professional
manner. No derogatory remarks will be permitted. There is a time limit of three minutes per
speaker. John
Kennedy, General Manager of Dimmit Cm.
Garza congratulated all the departments that worked hard installing the new equipments in the City Council
Chambers. He advised that the information of the Cm.
Garcia thanked City Manager and their staff for being at the LAS Kick Off Luncheon. He
noted that his brother has been afflicted with LAS for three years and it is
very difficult for the
family to see him struggling with the disease that has confined him to a
wheelchair. He thanked Council Member Chavez for suggesting the
installation of a new voting machine
for City Council. Cm.
Landeck expressed his satisfaction with a new direction that Council has
taken regarding the streets that
are having problems when it rains. He said that he feels that the Council is taking the initiative to move
towards permanent solutions instead of the band-aid solution. He encouraged
Council to consider buying the property within the Guatamozin area because the residents are living in a
creek and will be subjected to severe flooding. He continued
to say that he has received a phone call from a paraplegic who lives in the Guatamozin
area. The resident had lost his
belongings in a recent flood and has received a lot of assistance from the community including a van from
an anonymous donor. Cm. Landeck thanked the community for all
of their support to the families that reside in the Guatamozin area. Cm.
Amaya thanked the Parks and Recreation Director, Miguel Pescador, and his
staff for repairing the
Cecilia May Moreno park in an expeditious manner. He announced that he would be scheduling the remaining
of two parks in District IV in the future. Cm.
Rendon mentioned that he is very happy that the south end of the Mayor
Pro Tempore Belmares thanked the Laredo Police Department for arresting the
mail box culprits in Cm.
Chavez welcomed the Mayor of Laredo back to work after a recent hospital
stay. He said that he had approached Council asking the Mayor to
write a letter pertaining to some of the
activities that the railroad is conducing which is endangering the lives of
the residents of of
getting the rail road out of Mayor
Salinas asked for a moment of silence for Pancho Gutierrez, waiter at Danny’s
Restaurant. He congratulated VI. APPOINTMENTS TO
COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES a. Appointments to the Ethics Ad Hoc Committee
of: Tomas Izaguirre by Mayor Arnulfo Gonzalez by Council Member Johnny
Amaya.
Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 b. Appointment by Council Member Johnny Amaya,
of Millie Gaytan, to the Commission for Women. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 VII. GENERAL COUNCIL
DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS A. Request by Council Member Mike Garza 1.
Discussion with possible action to authorize the City Manager into
creating an Employee Liaison Committee. Cm. Garza explained that he placed this
on the agenda to create a committee to provide new ideas or suggestions from
employees. He recommended the City Manager to
appoint employees from each department.
Cm. Garza requested having a “boots on
the ground” committee that could share the problems that they may be
encountering in the workforce. He said that he would welcome an
opportunity to meet monthly with employee representatives. He suggested defining the criteria for the
employees to be chosen.
2.
Status report on the improvements of Fire Station #2 and the Santo
Niño Public Library. David Piton from the Laredo new air-conditioning system. He said that the Laredo Municipal Housing
has completed over $15,000 of repairs. has the same problems as the main
library for a cost of $1.5 million dollars. Rufino Garza, architect for the project,
said that there would be additional costs for a second floor estimate. Depending upon what Council would decide,
he would need to compare the cost of the
vertical conveyance of the people to spreading the building out. City Manager, 3.
Discussion with possible action on installing restroom facilities at
the Mario Miguel Pescador, Parks &
Recreational Department Director, said that staff has visited the site at the behind the third base line would be the
best option. He said that staff
installed the concession/bathroom at the $50,000 in house. Motion to install restroom facilities
from Cm. Garza’s discretionary funds not to exceed $75,000. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Ramirez For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 B. Request by Council Member Hector J. Garcia 1.
Discussion with possible action to consider installing rubber matting
for a walking trail at Cm. Garcia said that he placed this item
on the agenda because several hundred people from around District II walk at there are a lot of older individuals that
use the facility for exercise and he does not find it safe for them to be walking
solely on concrete. Cm. Amaya expressed interests of
providing half of the cost from his discretionary funds. Miguel Pescador, Parks &
Recreational Director, advised that he has received a quote for $71,000 for a plain matting on
the existing surface. He suggested going out for a request for a proposal
to secure warranty for this investment. Motion to approve from discretionary
funds not to exceed $80,000. The cost of the rubber matting should be divided
between Cm. Garcia and Cm. Amaya’s discretionary fund. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0 2. Status report regarding the
Phase II Villa del Sol improvements, with possible action. Miguel Pescador, Parks &
Recreational Director, said that staff has completed through the assistance and help of submitted several quotes in the Friday
Packet of other improvements that have been discussed during the previous walk
through. He noted that they would ask for funds for soft surface around the
play ground, additional swing sets with soft surface, and a sports lighted area for
soccer. The total cost for the
additional improvements are $105,000. Motion to use District II Discretionary
funds of 105,000 for the additional improvements needed at the Phase II
Villa del Sol Park. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Amaya For:
7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0 C.
Request by Council Member Dr. 1.
Discussion with possible action regarding a reorganization of the
present administrative structure of the City of of City departments. Cm. Landeck said that during a previous
City Council meeting where the reorganization was discussed the item
was tabled due to various comments regarding the unpleasant feeling of not
having all the information. On the
other hand, he
noted the time element for the Fiscal Year and said that a decision should be made regarding the structure
for the City of job that the consultant suggested on
structuring. He advised that it would
be a step forward by initiating their
suggested restructuring and if Council suggests they could return to Council for further
explanation. Motion to accept the organizational
structure as presented by the Waters Group regarding recommendation to exclude the
Laredo Police Department. Moved:
Cm. Landeck Second:
Cm. Garza Cm. Landeck advised that the Police
Department needs further observation because the current consultant only took
one day to observe them. Cm. Garcia noted that the entire
presentation by the Water Groups was a very weak presentation and he was not pleased
with the entire structure. He said
that they are placing too many departments
under one Assistant City Manager and that it does not balance out. He suggested sending the item back to administration for recommendations. He further stated that the City of Departments should be structured by the
City of he is managing the City. Cm. Landeck said that he previously
mentioned that the City Charter has given the City of that once the City Council has dealt
with the organization then the City Manager has the power to appoint the people that
he wants to be within those departments and organizations. He pointed out that
the City Charter provides the guidelines for reorganization and City Council must
abide. Cm. Garza said that the recommendation
of the City Manager was tabled at a prior City Council meeting. He reminded the Council and City Manager
that at the end of the year the City Manager
will be deemed accountable for the actions, structure, and organizations of the
City. Cm. Garcia stressed that he does not
agree with the structure suggested by the Waters Group. He said that this recommendation was not
completed by City Council but from a group that was
hired. He said that Council needs to
make changes to the recommendations for the
City Manager and allow him to implement them. Cm. Belmares said that the organization
needs to be streamlined but he is not comfortable with the recommendations
made by the Water’s Group in terms of which departments go where and with
whom. He agreed that the presentation requires tweaking. City Manager, available for public view. He said that he could return to Council to
reiterate some of the points made by Council
taking into consideration everyone’s concerns he could look at some of the
things and recommendations made by the Waters Group. He
said that he is comfortable with the organizational structure submitted to Council by the
Waters Group. He advised that he
would be willing
to revamp the suggested organizational chart if Council so desires. Cm. Chavez suggested approving the
reorganization structure because the City Manager recommends the change. Cm. Garza asked the City Manager if the
reorganization structure hinders his ability to manager properly or if it
makes the departments inefficient. City Manager ability to perform his duties as a City
Manager. Cm. Garza called for the question. Cm. Belmares said that he had a motion
and a second to approve the Waters Groups as submitted with the provision
of excluding the Laredo Police Department recommendations. Cm. Garza said the changes to the Police
Department within the Department. Motion to approve the recommendations by
the Waters Groups as submitted to Council with the provision of excluding
the Laredo Police Department. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Landeck For:
4 Against: 3 Abstain: 0 Cm. Garza Cm. Garcia Cm. Landeck Cm. Amaya Cm. Rendon Cm. Ramirez Cm. Chavez 2.
Discussion with possible action regarding the City Charter policy
regarding direct inquiry requests that can be made
by individual Council members for Legal verbal and written opinions of the
City’s Attorney. Cm. Landeck said that he has approached
the inquiry and he was told that the only
way that he can approach the with legal questions is if he goes
through the City Manager or the City Council as a body.
He said that the City Charter indicates that members of the City Council can approach anyone within the
organization for inquiry purposes. He said that he would like to clarify this
issue because it will be difficult to work under circumstances that every question
that we hear would need to be brought before City Council for a vote. Motion that City Council instruct individual Council members and from the
Mayor and to respond to them verbally and or in writing. Moved:
Cm. Landeck City Manager, the should be disseminated to all Council
members. Cm. Garza explained that precedence has
been set from staff. He noted that
staff has been disseminating information
without any problems. He said that requests should be made and then the Raul Casso, of all requests. He said that Council could approach ask him
with concerns and he would provide the information. Cm. Landeck said that there was a
significant difference in what the City Council was discussing and what he was hearing earlier
from the that the his opinion unless it went through the
City Manager. He added that the attorney told him that questions should be made
in the forum of where Council would sit together and make a decision and then he
would respond. He requested
clarification if Council has the right to directly ask the opinions. Raul Casso, Charter specifies that the Manager.
He noted that it does not mention the City Council members. If he is instructed by this Council to do
it anyway it would be contributing the plain terms of the Charter and it will put him
in a position where he could potentially get into professional conflicts with his
client. He said that he did not want
to call attention to his ethics. As a practical matter he said that he sees
it as a very special item. He said as long as the City Council is
keeping the City Manager informed they are in terms with the City
Charter. Cm. Landeck said that he feels very
uncomfortable with the suggestions. He pointed out a section in the Charter where
it does state “members” for inquiries. He said that it
is very clear where inquiries can come from Council or Council Members. He said that if the attorney disagrees with
that then he would like to defer to
outside Council because it is an issue of principal. Cm. Garza said that his major concern is
approaching the City business. He noted that there should not be an
obstacle in getting opinions. Cm. Garcia said that he would not like
to approach Council with all of his concerns or questions because he is
simply considering different objectives and needs advice. Raul Casso, the City Charter tells him who his
client is and who he should give advice to.
He pointed out that if you go to him for
advice that is personal to a particular Council Member then everyone on the
Council makes decisions that are beneficially
and affect people adversely. Whenever
we award a contract, it meets prosperity and insolvency for somebody
else and if I give you advice that you then go make decisions on
you can be held personally liable for the actions that you take and if based on my
advice if you get sued and based on my advice my position now is adverse to
the City. How can he represent the
City if he is representing Council? It would be a professional ethical
violation on his part. That is why there is a
safeguard in the Charter that notes that requests must go through City Council. Cm. Garza voiced that there is a
difference in verbalizing an opinion and writing a written document of an opinion. If Council approaches him and he give them verbal information it should not be as
technical as what was discussed. It is
a judgment call. Motion to ask for an outside opinion regarding
the City Charter policy regarding direct inquiry requests that can be made
by individual Council members for Legal verbal and written opinions of the
City’s Attorney. Moved:
Cm. Landeck the opinion to Lowell Denton for a legal
opinion. Motion to formulate a question for the
Attorney General’s Office regarding the City Charter policy regarding direct
inquiry requests that can be made by individual Council members for legal
verbal and written opinions of the City’s Attorney. Moved:
Cm. Landeck Second:
Cm. Ramirez For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 D.
Request by Council Member Johnny Rendon 1.
Discussion with possible action on installing speed humps on between speed humps. He confirmed that they will install three
speed humps on Drive, four on Motion to use the discretionary funds of
District V on installing speed humps on Street, between Moved:
Cm. Rendon Second:
Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2.
Status report on the reconstruction of the Drainage Channel along from Cm. Rendon explained that he wanted the
residents along that the south side construction is
complete and the City of working on the north side. E. Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Gene Belmares 1.
Discussion with possible action on authorizing the City Manager to
join NASCO and appropriating the necessary funding. Motion to approve authorizing the City
Manager to join NASCO and appropriating the necessary funding. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Rendon For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2.
Status report on the painting of Highland Water Tank. Tomas Rodriguez, the City staff decided to wait until
October to select an engineer by the fifteenth of this month and it should be ready in
thirty days. He went on to say that
they would return to council with a contract
if it is over $50,000. The specs should be ready by November 30th. The tank needs to be painted on the outside
and inside. This is the ideal time because it is
winter. The job should be completed by
3.
Status report on the Stone Creek Killam and Borchers area
drainage/park project. Cm. Belmares tabled this item. 4.
Discussion with possible action on developing a Wi-Fi (wireless
access) city wide. Cm. Belmares said that he placed this
item on the agenda because he has seen where other communities have gone
forward in their technology to allow City wide wireless access. There is available technology that would
benefit the City of access for Police and Firefighters, but
also for our departments that would need data including the A video of Chuck Garium, representative from Motorola,
gave a brief description of the modern technology. He said that Motomesh consists of a small
box on a light pole. He noted that there are four radios built
on to the box which means there are four radio networks being
deployed with one box being put on hold.
He said that you can use it for IP
telephones for citizens that cannot afford telephones. He added that they could provide internet
access to business travelers and citizens. He pointed out it is very usable and
manageable. F. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez 1.
Discussion with possible action on the availability of housing
resources for our constituents. Cm. Ramirez said that he placed this
item on the agenda when he noticed that hundreds of people were in line for
housing at the Council Member he feels responsible for
providing housing for individuals that need housing. He suggested placing funds aside in the
next budget for creating more housing for the
residents of City Manager, endeavor as far as the community it is a
costly endeavor. He noted that the biggest elements involved is the state
and federal government. It is a matter of where Council places their
resources. Council Ramirez instructed the City
Manager to locate funds to begin construction of homes or assisting the
Laredo Housing Authority for additional homes. Legislative agendas. He agreed to meet with the Housing
Authority to identify some needs. Ronnie Acosta, Community Development
Director, said that the City of has a Consolidated Plan that is
submitted to HUD every years since 1995 which outlines their priorities for the City
which includes new construction of housing for first time home buyers, construction
of rental housing, rental assistance and assistance to the homeless. 2.
Status report on the garage storage auto lift system, for the Transit
Parking facility. This item will be placed on the next
agenda. 3.
Discussion with possible action on issuing parking permits to downtown
property owners, authorizing them to park by
their place of business. Cm. Ramirez mentioned that several
business owners are being ticketed when they park at their downtown
property. He was also concerned about
the people that are parking at the people are trying to help and they are
being citied for the acts of kindness.
He suggested initiating a special permit
for special parking in the downtown area. Roberto Murillo, Traffic Engineer, said
that the City of loading zone on of the parking issue and he will review
the problem again. He further
explained that the area on there.
He said that he can review the area for the possibility of a loading
zone. Cm. Ramirez continued to express his
dissatisfaction of ticketing delivery trucks for the Bethany House and other
establishments that assist the less fortunate. Carlos Villarreal, City Manager,
explained that individuals take advantage of the established loading zones. He said that he would have staff work with
the
individuals that are loading and unloading. He continued to say that the City must be careful when issuing special
permits or the entire business community will be requesting them and it will
defeat the purpose of the meters. He
advised that staff is looking for additional
space for a parking lot. VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Department Fiscal Year 2007-2008 annual
budget by authorizing the City Manager to accept,
execute and appropriate revenues and expenditures for the Local Health
System- Office of Public Health Practices (OPHP)
continuation grant in the amount of $306,835.00 to provide prevention,
disease control, and health promotion activities from the Texas Department of Health Services
and $169,187.00 in program income. The
grant has a term period from Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Department FY 2007-2008 full-time
equivalent positions by creating one (1) full-time Public Health Technician position with
benefits, (salary/ fringes amount of $47,697.00) in the Program for the term from available through the Early Warning
Infectious Disease Surveillance (EWIDS) portion of the PHP Grant. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm.Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Subdivision Ordinance of the City of Amending Chapter 3: Subdivision Design Standards, establishing
standards in conformance
with the Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) publication of “A Policy on
Geometric Design of Highways and Streets”, increasing the diameter of dead-end
streets from 80 feet to 100 feet, establishing pavement standards in conformance with
the (AASHTO) Guide for Design of Pavement Structures, and establishing pavement
specifications for public and private streets based on expected traffic loads and pavement
structures; providing for publication
and effective date. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 5. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
accepting a grant awarded and amending the City
of of $45,000.00 for an Interdiction
project awarded by the Office of the National Drug
Control Policy (ONDCP) High Intensity Drug used to pay overtime expenses for a drug
interdiction unit comprised of Financial Task Force agents and Laredo Police Officers
from 2007. Fringe benefits will be funded
from opening fund balance. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 6. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of 2007-2008 Annual Budget in the amount of
$44,687.00. The Office of Justice Assistance Grant Program is contributing
the full grant amount of $125,687.00 with no match amount obligated to the City of will each receive $62,843.50. The City of purchase of equipment for Homeland
Security purposes by the Laredo Police Department for the period of Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Chavez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 7. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to accept a Direct Aid Grant from the amount of $30,722.00 for new public
computers and the replacement of backlit components for the current LCD computer
terminals and amending the City of FY 2007-2008 Annual Budget Revenues and
Expenditures in the amount of $5,722.00. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 8. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant in the amount of $50,000.00 from
the Office of the Governor, the Division of Emergency Management (GDEM) and to amend
the City of Laredo FY 2007-2008 Annual Budget in the same amount. The Office of the Governor, the Division of
Emergency Management has made a project
grant available in order to organize and deploy state agency and local government
law enforcement personnel and equipment to participate in a project to enhance
border security along the Texas-Mexico border. Funds will be used to pay overtime,
fringe benefits, and operational expenses from Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Landeck For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Rendon For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 9. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Laredo FY 2007-2008 Annual Budget by appropriating
expenditures in the amount of $500,000.00 in the Laredo Police Department Trust
Fund. Funding will be used to purchase
operational materials, supplies, and capital outlay
equipment. Equipment items include
surveillance equipment, tactical entry equipment, and
patrol motorcycles. Funding is
available in the Police Trust Fund opening balance. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Landeck For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second:
Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 10. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to accept a donation from Wal-Mart Corporation in
the amount of $1,000.00 and to amend the City of Laredo Friends of the Library Fund
FY 2007-2008 annual budget by appropriating said
funds. Funds will be used to purchase
a new laminating machine for the Library. Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Amaya For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: City Council 11. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Block 6, Moonlight Subdivision,
located at Zoning Commission recommended approval
of the Conditional Use Permit. District I Motion to open the public hearing. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Landeck For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was no public input. Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Garcia
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Garza IX. INTRODUCTORY
ORDINANCES 12. Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City
of Commissions, Councils, etc., Division
4. Convention & Visitors Bureau Advisory Board, Section 2-223; Membership
Criteria; term of office; method of appointment; ex- officio members; by amending Section
(a) by adding a twelfth (12th) voting member to the committee, to represent the sports
community. Motion to table. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 X. FINAL Motion to waive the final reading of Ordinances: 2007-O-182,
2007-O-183, 2007-O184, 2007-O-185, 2007-O-186, 2007-O-187,
2007-O-188, 2007-O-189, 2007-O190, 2007-O-
191, 2007-O-194,
2007-O195, 2007-O-196, 2007-O-197, 2007-O198. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 13. 2007-O-182
Amending the City of Laredo Annual Budget by appropriating revenues
and expenditures in the amount of $34,833.00 in funds from the Texas
Department of State Health Services, which includes $901.00 from
estimated Program Income for continuation of the Title V) Program for the term of 2008. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-182. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2007-O-183 Amending the City of Annual Budget by appropriating revenues
and expenditures in the amount of $292,937.00 in funds from the Texas
Department of State Health Services, which includes $22,814.00 from
estimated Program Income for continuation of the prenatal services
provided by the Maternal and Child Health (MCH-Title V)
Program for the period of Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-183. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2007-O-184 Amending the City of appropriating revenues and expenditures
in the amount of $61,068.00 from the Texas Department of State Health
Services to the Health Department Title V Family Planning
Services Grant, term from September 1, 2007 through Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-184. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2007-O-185 Amending the City of Annual Budget by appropriating revenues
and expenditures in the amount $123,042.00 from the Department HIV/Health & Social
Services, term from through Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-185.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2007-O-186 Amending the City of Budget to appropriate grant revenues and
expenses from the 2006 State Homeland Security Grant Sub-Recipient
agreement between the City of of $24,157.00. The total amount appropriated from the
Homeland Security Program will be
$335,548.14. Equipment received
through the grant agreement will be used for the
City’s Fire and Police Departments. The above said grant requires no in kind
matching funds. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-186. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2007-O-187 Closing as a public easement the west 18.25
feet out of the South one-half section of Avenue), which section abuts the East
property line of Eastern Division, City of Exhibit “A”, and providing for an
effective date. (As amended) Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-187. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2007-O-188 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of authorizing a Special Use Permit for a
communication tower, on Block 292, Eastern Division, located at providing for an effective date and
publication. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-188. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2007-O-189 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for
an amusement redemption machine establishment on Lots 3 and 4,
Block 18, Western Division, located at publication. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-189. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2007-O-190 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of the south 150 feet of the east 150 feet
of Block 1116, Western Division, as further described by metes and bounds in
attached Exhibit “A”, located at B-4 (Highway Commercial District) and
providing for an effective date and publication. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-190. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2007-O-191 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for
a restaurant (food to go) on 1, Block 1, Country Club Estates
Subdivision, located at 3911 Casa Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-191. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2007-O-194 Authorizing the City Manager to reconvey to
District, Trustee, that 17.331 acre
parcel described in Warranty Deed recorded
in Volume 1536, PP .512-515, official property records of Webb County, in consideration of repayment of
$42,000.00 by UISD, and a copy of this authorized conveyance is attached
hereto as Exhibit “B”; and providing for an effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-194. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2007-O-195 Authorizing the City Manager to convey fee
simple title to the “Surface Only” at its adjusted market value of
$8,468.50 for certain property described as a 9,963.30 square feet
(0.2287 of an acre) tract of land, more or less, out of that former section the
2200 block of between Eagle Pass Avenue and line, situated in the Western Division,
City of attached Exhibit “A”; and providing for
an effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-182. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2007-O-196 Closing as a public easement a 17.7 ft. wide alley dedicated for public
use in Block 629, Eastern Division, City of which traverses the middle of said block
from East to West through its entire length, and abuts the South side
of Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 and also abuts the North side of Lots 7, 8, 9, 10,
11 and 12; which alley is located in said Block 629, midway between the
1100 block of and 1100 Block of Guadalupe Street;
and providing for the reversion of
the public’s interest in said alley to the abutting owners; and
providing for an effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-196. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2007-O-197 Authorizing the City Manager to execute an
amendment to the lease agreement approved by Ordinance No.
95-O-154 dated authorizing a lease agreement with Aero
Center, Inc., for the approximate .001-acre
tract of land located at the lease agreement was assigned on 152, from Aero Center, Inc., to a Joint
Venture composed of International Bank of Commerce and Sanchez-O’Brien Oil
and Gas Corporation. The Joint Venture composed of International
Bank of Commerce and Sanchez- O’Brien Oil and Gas Corporation is
dissolved regarding the aforementioned lease agreement and the
parties of said Joint Venture request that Sanchez-O’Brien Oil and Gas
Corporation be deleted as one of the Lessees; therefore, International
Bank of Commerce will remain as the sole Lessee. Said amendment deletes
Sanchez-O’Brien Oil and Gas Corporation as one of the Lessees and
International Bank of Commerce remains the sole Lessee. All other terms and conditions of the lease
will remain unchanged and in effect; providing
for an effective date. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-197. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2007-O-198 Authorizing the City Manager to execute an
amendment to the lease agreement approved on with a Joint Venture composed of
International Bank of Commerce and Sanchez Oil & Gas Corporation for the
approximate 0.1182-acre tract of land located on Block No. 1 within the
southwest fuel farm at the of Commerce and Sanchez Oil & Gas
Corporation is dissolved regarding the aforementioned lease agreement and
the parties of said Joint Venture request that Sanchez Oil & Gas
Corporation be deleted as one of the Lessees; therefore, International Bank of
Commerce will remain the sole Lessee.
Said amendment deletes Sanchez Oil & Gas Corporation as one of the Lessees and International Bank of
Commerce remains the sole Lessee.
All other terms and conditions of the lease remain unchanged and in effect; providing for an effective
date. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-198. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XI. MOTIONS 14. Consideration to authorize the City Manager
to place work orders with several creative service providers during Fiscal Year
2007-2008 for the design and production of advertisements and marketing images to
promote not to exceed $56,000.00. Funding is available in the Convention and
Visitors Bureau Fund. Motion to table items # 14 and 15. Moved:
Cm. Landeck Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
5 Against: 1 Abstain: 1 Cm.
Landeck Cm.
Garza 15. Consideration to authorize the City Manager
to negotiate and execute contracts with attachment
CVB Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Media Plan.
Media plan advertisements for the Laredo Convention & Visitors
Bureau will be placed beginning October 2007 in an amount not to exceed $621,000.00. Funding is available in the CVB Marketing Division Budget. Motion to table items # 14 and 15. Moved:
Cm. Landeck Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
5 Against: 1 Abstain: 1 Cm.
Landeck Cm. Garza 16. Authorizing the City Manager to amend and
exercise the renewal option in the contract with the Guide.
The guide will be produced under the direction of the Visitors Bureau relative to style,
design, and editorial content at no cost to the LCVB. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
5 Against: 1 Abstain: 1 Cm. Landeck Cm.
Garza 17. Consideration to award a contract for
concessionaire at the Benavides Softball Complex and all municipal swimming
pools to sole bidder, Mr. Francisco Garcia for a period of one (1) year. This vendor is recommended, based on the
price structure provided and the percentage of revenue
offered to the City during the bid process.
The agreement is expected to provide a
monthly rental income of $100.00 during active sales activities at the Benavides
Softball Complex and of $150.00 during active sales when the pool facilities are also in
operation. Additionally, 30% of the
gross revenue from sales corresponding to all facilities
will be provided to the City along with monthly rental payments. Motion to table. Moved:
Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Garcia For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 18. Consideration for approval to award a professional
services contract to Rhino Builders, Ltd., project); for an amount of
$98,925.00. Funding is available in
the Community Development Fund-32nd Action Year. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 19. Award of a professional services contract
to Harry Jewett Associates in the amount of $55,000.00 to provide consulting
services for the Esperanza Road Drainage Improvement Project, for the City of /replacement of the existing drainage
system to reduce localized flooding.
Funding is available in the 2007 Certificate of
Obligation Bond Proceeds. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 20. Award a professional services contract with
Crane amount of $262,825.00 to provide
consulting services for the Rosario Street Drainage Improvement Project for the City of upgrading/replacement of the existing
drainage system to reduce localized flooding.
Funding is available in the 2007
Certificate of Obligation Bond Proceeds. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 21. Authorizing the City Manager to award a
contract to Turbonetics Services in the amount of $55,000.00
to refurbish on an emergency basis one (1) 5000 gallon per minute pump and its
supporting base for the Lyon Street Booster Station. Funding is available under 2006
Utility Revenue Bond. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 22. Consideration to award contract FY07-170 to
the sole bidder, Rochester Armored Car Company, bank courier service for City
operations. The term of this contract
is for two (2) years. This is an annual contract subject to
continued appropriation in future fiscal years. Funding is available in the respective
departmental budgets.
Motion to approve as corrected with $82,572.00. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 23. Consideration to accept the contract
assignment and assumption agreement by the Equipment & Services (now known as
Volvo Construction Equipment and Services) and Nueces Power Equipment, (assignee)
authorizing the assignment of the contract awarded by the City Council on Services, to of $259,474.61 for the purchase of one
(1) soil compactor, one (1) pneumatic roller and one (1) double drum roller for the contact for the equipment warranty and
service. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 24. Consideration to award contract FY07-167 to
the low bidder, Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc., sets of self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA) for the available in the 2007 Certificate of
Obligation Bond Proceeds. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 25. Consideration to amend contract FY06-083
currently awarded to MO-VAC Environmental, domestic sewage, sewage sludge, and/or
sludge for the increasing the contract amount by
$45,000.00 to a new contract amount of $225,000.00. Due to an increase in frequency and number
of hours, the proposed amendment would increase the current
contract order to provide funding for the remainder of the contract term. Funding is available in the Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 26. Consideration for approval of change order
no. 1 a decrease of $461.60 for the balance of quantities actually constructed in
place, acceptance of the City of Laredo Storm Drainage Improvements and
approval of final payment in the amount of $123,886.32 to Rovan, L.L.C., $123,886.32. The is available in the Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 27. Authorizing the City Manager to enter into
a one (1) year service agreement with SunGard H.T.E, Inc., agreement is for service and
maintenance on the financial applications residing on the City’s IBM iSeries computer system for
the period of Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 28. Consideration to award contract number
FY07-174 to the low bidders: 1). 2). Rob K Concrete Products, in the estimated amount of $60,000.00
for the purchase of assorted rebar, wire mesh, keyway and stakes. These materials will be purchased on an as
needed basis by the Utilities, repair projects. Funding is available in the respective
departmental budgets. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 29.
Consideration to authorize the purchase of: 1). one (1) 2008 GMC cab and chassis
sewer cleaner truck in the amount of $144,445.61; 2). one (1) aluminum end dump trailer
in the total amount of $64,594.80; from Rush Truck Centers of of Governments (HGAC) cooperative
purchasing program. This equipment
will be assigned to the Certificates of Obligation Bond proceeds. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 30. Consideration to exercise the renewal
option for one (1) additional year for contract number FY04-122 awarded to
Envirosolve, L.L.C., amount of $90,000.00 for conducting
two (2) Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection events and one (1)
Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG) collection event. The initial term of this contract was for
one (1) year with an option to extend the contract for
three (3), one (1) year terms. This
will be the last renewal option. Funding is available in the budget. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 31. Consideration to award contract number
FY07-152 to the following low bidders: 1). Products Unlimited, Inc., 2). Stroud Safety Apparel, Stroud, 3). Hagemary, N.A., 4). 5). Armsco, Inc., in the estimated amount of $50,000.00
for the purchase of safety products for all City departments. Contract pricing has been established for
safety products such as safety belts, vests, safety glasses, rain
suits, hard hats, traffic cones, warning flags, water coolers, and gloves. These items will be purchased throughout
the year by service departments on an as needed basis. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 32. Consideration to exercise the renewal
option for contract number FY06-130 awarded to, 1)
HD Supply Waterworks, $279,393.91; 2)
Titan Pipe and Supply, 3)
Ferguson Waterworks Inc., for the purchase of mechanical joint
fittings, valve boxes and pipe tubing for the Utilities Department. These materials are purchased on an as
needed basis by the Utilities Department- Water
Operations for construction and repair projects. Funding
is available in the Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 33. Consideration for approval of amendment
No.1 for an increase of $111,902.00 to the professional services contract with
Carter & Burgess, Inc., Guidance Sign Layout Plan
Modifications and for additional design, surveying,
project management, coordination, and construction phase services for the Laredo
International Taxilane
Reconstruction (Phase III) Project.
Current engineering contract amount is $254,249.00. The available in the FAA Grant Project No.
3-48-0136-051-2007. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 34. Authorizing the City Manager to approve
payment from the City’s Arena Renewal and Replacement Account for the purchase
of a security camera, carpet replacement, contactor for cooling system, garbage
disposal and telephone system in a total amount not to exceed $94,000.00. Funding is available in the Sports and
Community Venue Account. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 35. Award of a professional services contract
with LNV $33,053.00, to provide consulting
services for the Laurel/Dellwood Drainage Improvements Project for the City of upgrading/replacement of the existing
drainage system to reduce localized flooding.
Funding is available in the 2007 Certificate
of Obligation Bond Proceeds. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 36. Consideration for approval to award a
professional services contract to Seca Engineering,
L.L.C., design and preparation of plans and
specifications for the Markley/Santa Maria drainage and to analyze/evaluate the
capacities of existing storm drain systems in the surrounding area (Markley/Santa Maria,
Farias/St. Agustin/Ortiz) and provide recommendations for future upgrades
for the systems. Funding is available
in the 2007 Certificates of Obligation Bond
Proceeds. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain:
0 37. Authorizing the City Manager to enter into
a contract with Catholic Social Services of Laredo, Inc., (CSSL) in the amount of
$45,135.00 to administer the City’s Fiscal Year 2007-2008 General Welfare Assistance
Program through which rental, utility, transportation, and health care
assistance is provided to indigent individuals and families residing in the
community. The contract would cover
expenditures for the period of Welfare Funds would be designated for
the assistance of indigent individuals and families
of low income, while $4,513.00 (approx. 10%) will be allocated to cover administrative expenses to include:
overhead, wages, and office supply costs incurred by Catholic Social Services. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 38. Approval of expenditures for students from
the to global event that occurs every four
years and that connects cities from all over the world.
thinking and problem solving methods
in order to deal with issues of global importance such as peace, education, knowledge,
and ecological conversation amongst other topics. Funds are available in the Council finds and declares that a
valid public purpose will be served by this expenditure. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Ramirez For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 39. Amending a contract with Foster $20,910.00 to include structural
design engineering services for a retaining wall and the steel beams on the bridge span across
Manadas Creek for a total contract amount of $61,082.00. The additional engineering
services include re-design and preparation of plans and specifications for the
construction of a 24” sewer line at a new alignment that will prevent conflicts with other
utility lines inside the Texas Department of Transportation
Right of Way. The additional contract time is 120 calendar days for a total of 250 calendar days. Funding is
available in the Sewer 2000 Revenue Bond. Motion to approve. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Ramirez For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XII. STAFF REPORTS 40. A. Setting
a workshop date for a presentation by the options of providing water to the Citizens
of the City of The workshop date shall be B.
Status report, with possible action, on the operations of the Laredo
Housing Authority. Cm. Garcia voiced that he has asked for a
report from the Laredo Housing Authority.
He noted that two board members have resigned from the Housing Authority Committee. He directed the City Manager to visit with
their board and return to Council with a report. City Manager, Carlos Villarreal, advised
that he would return to Council with a full report or he would submit a report in
writing. Cm. Belmares advised that he has received a
report stating that the Housing Authority has been a high performer. He said that the HUD audit explained that
the Housing Authority has done an excellent job
in the last year. C.
Presentation on the naming of the Parks Department Anti-Vandalism
Superhero, with possible action. Miguel
Pescador, Parks & Recreation Director, reported that they have had the naming
of the Parks Department Anti-Vandalism Superhero campaign. He said that over three
hundred entries were submitted to the department for consideration. He recommended the name of “The Green
Guardian”. Motion
to approve The Green Guardian. Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 D.
Presentation, on the Halloween Fest, by city staff and event partners,
LULAC #14 and PAWS, with possible action. Miguel
Pescador, Parks and Recreation Department, informed Council that there will be a Halloween Fest by city
staff and event partners, LULAC # 14 and PAWS. He noted that there would be
plenty of fund and games for the children.
Motion
to approve sponsorship of $950.00 from District VIII Promotional funds for the
Halloween Fest. The funds would be used to sponsorship of the Moved: Cm.
Ramirez Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 E.
Staff report regarding various vendor payment options for City
purchases, with possible action. Motion
to postpone indefinitely. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XIII. EXECUTIVE
SESSION The
City Council hereby reserves the right to go into executive session at any
time during this public
meeting, if such is requested by the 41. Request for Executive Session pursuant to
Texas Government Code Section 551.072 in order to deliberate the purchase of
properties located at 3101, 3103, 3105, 3107, 3201, 3203, 3205 and 3219 Guatemozin Street,
in the City of Laredo, Texas, for the purpose of
alleviating flooding in that area; because deliberation in an open meeting
would have a detrimental effect on the position
of the City Council in negotiations with a third person; and return to open session for
possible action.
Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code
Section 551.072 in order to deliberate the
purchase of properties located at 3101, 3103, 3105, 3107, 3201, 3203, 3205 and 3219
Guatemozin Street, in the City of the purpose of alleviating flooding in
that area; because deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the
position of the City Council in negotiations with a third
person; and return to open session for possible action. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 After Executive Session, Mayor Pro Tem
Belmares announced that no action was taken. 42. Request
for executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071(2)by assistance to the owners of lots it
may consider acquiring in order to obviate future flooding problems; the necessary
procedures for acquiring lots to obviate future flooding problems; and, return to open
session for possible action. Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant
to Texas Government Code Section 551.071(2)by assistance to the owners of lots it
may consider acquiring in order to obviate future flooding problems; the necessary
procedures for acquiring lots to obviate future flooding problems; and, return to open
session for possible action. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 After Executive Session, Mayor Pro Tem
Belmares announced that no action was taken. 43. Request for executive session pursuant to
Texas Government Code Section 551.074 to deliberate the duties, evaluation
criteria and performance standards of the City Manager and return to open session for
possible action. Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant
to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 to deliberate the duties,
evaluation criteria and performance standards of the City Manager and return to open
session for possible action. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 After Executive Session, Mayor Pro Tem
Belmares announced that no action was taken. Motion to approve the Evaluation
Performance Standards for the evaluation criteria and performance
standards of the City Manager. Moved:
Cm. Rendon Second: Cm.
Chavez For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XIV. ADJOURNMENT Motion
to adjourn. Time: Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 I, Gustavo
Guevara, Jr., ______________________________ Gustavo
Guevara, Jr. |